To make sure the holidays are joyous, make a plan and take care of yourself
Nov 20 2025
As a practicing dentist for nearly 50 years, Regional Care Group Dental Director Dr. Harry Dai has the stature to offer suggestions on how to manage what may be the most intense one-day assault on teeth: Halloween.
“The number one advice I give is to not let the kids keep the candy all day and night,” Dr. Dai said. “Parents should get control of the candy and disperse it responsibly.”
Beyond that general advice, Dr. Dai offered these specific tips:
- Immediately after trick or treating, adults should go through treats, removing anything suspicious, before distributing the sweets to children.
- Delay handing out sticky candies such as caramel and taffy, which inflict the worst teeth damage. Distribute those treats with a meal, when mouth enzymes lessen the damage from candy.
- Rinse the mouth with water immediately after finishing treats. Then wait 15 minutes—that gives tooth enamel time to strengthen itself against decay—before brushing and, if possible, flossing.
After Halloween or any time of year, if professional dental care is needed, contact Regional at 219-769-4005 and ask to speak with the dental clinic.
“Our services are basically free to a lot of our patients,” Dr. Dai said, noting that Regional is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) supported by grants and Medicaid and established to serve underserved patients.
“If there’s one thing that I want everyone to know,” Dr. Dai added, “it’s that we are such a compassionate staff. We make no judgements. Our patients are so happy—not just because of the care they get—but because we give them respect.”
Growing numbers, enhanced services
Dr. Dai helped launch Regional Care Group’s Dental Services in 2016 in Hammond. He was one of two dentists working from the new office. Today, three dentists treat patients, as do two hygienists—up from one hygienist in 2016.
In addition, the Hammond building now has four operatories—full-service treatment rooms—up from three when Dental Services was established. And Regional offers a mobile dental unit, frequently used for exams and cleanings at health fairs and similar events in Northwest Indiana.
He estimated that the number of patients treated has doubled since 2016, although he didn’t have specific numbers.
Regional is planning to increase the use of and enhance services offered in the mobile dental unit and leadership is discussing opening another Dental Services suite in Merrillville.
Important gateway to health
In addition to being the month when Halloween is celebrated, October is National Dental Hygiene month—a designation the American Dental Hygienists’ Association established in 2009 in collaboration with William Wrigley Jr. Co., the chewing gum folks.
“This month-long celebration is observed annually in October across the United States and was created to promote oral health awareness nationwide while celebrating the vital role dental hygienists have in preventive care and public health,” ADHA Marketing & Communications Director Bronwyn E J Barrera said in an email. “There is no evidence tying the selection of the month to Halloween or the consumption of candy.”
Regardless of the month, Dr. Dai said, the suggestions for mouth health remain consistent: brush after every meal or at least after breakfast and before bed, if brushing after lunch is impractical. He also recommends flossing at least once a day, though twice is ideal. And, reduce the amount of chips and candy you consume. Those are significant causes of most tooth decay and infection.
“As the gateway to your digestive system,” Dr. Dai said, “the mouth is probably the most important part of your health.” He noted that the mouth teems with bacteria which, if not minimized through brushing and flossing, can travel through the body and create illness, including heart disease.
“It not only improves your self-esteem when you have a healthy, bright smile,” he said. “It is the start for you to have a healthy lifestyle.”
